On board Mumbai local trains: Lord Ganesha

Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Ganesh Utsav, is a highly revered Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha, the beloved elephant-headed deity. (Express Photo by Ganesh Shirsekar)

Commuters were seen transporting Ganesha idols from Bombay central station in Mumbai via trains on Sunday. (Express Photo by Ganesh Shirsekar)

The festival begins on the fourth day (Chaturthi) of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, which typically falls between August and September. Clay idols of Lord Ganesha are installed in homes, temples, and temporary public stages called pandals and then worshipped through various rituals and ceremonies. (Express Photo by Ganesh Shirsekar)

In 2024, the festivities and their rituals will commence on Friday, September 6, at 3:01 pm and conclude at 5:37 pm on Tuesday, September 17. The Ganesh Visarjan for 2024 is scheduled for Tuesday, September 17. (Express Photo by Ganesh Shirsekar)

The origins of Ganesh Chaturthi can be traced back to the Maratha Empire in the 17th century when it was celebrated by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to promote nationalism and unity among his subjects. (Express Photo by Ganesh Shirsekar)

The festival transcends boundaries, bringing together people from all walks of life, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion, to celebrate the divine presence of Lord Ganesha. (Express photo by Sankhadeep Banerjee )

People bring Mumbai's famous Chintamani Ganesh idol to the pandal, ahead of Ganesh chaturthi festival, at Chinchpokli in Mumbai on August 31 2024. (Express photo by Sankhadeep Banerjee. )

There are only a few days left for Ganeshotsav in Mumbai, Maharashtra and across India. Yesterday was the last Sunday for shopping. People from Mumbai and suburbs flocked to Dadar to shop for Ganeshotsav. (Express Photo By Ganesh Shirsekar)

More than 100 women from the Dhol-Tasha Mahasangha performed for Ganeshotsav at Ramanbaug High School in Shaniwar Peth on Sunday.(Express Photo By Pavan Khengre)

Beyond its profound religious essence, Ganesh Chaturthi holds immense cultural and social significance, serving as a unifying force and a platform for artistic expression. According to Hindu mythology, he was created by Goddess Parvati using her own body, who breathed life into him. Appointed as the ‘Vighnaharta’ or the remover of obstacles, Lord Ganesha is worshipped as the god of wisdom, intellect, and learning. (Express Photo By Ganesh Shirsekar)